renting water mice

[Letsbgoofy]

I posted a questions yesterday asking how old you have to be to rent water mice. I have read several different answers, so I called the Poly marina today. She told me that you have to be 12 years old to drive, but you must have someone at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license in the boat with you.

My 14 year old boys are very disappointed, but at least we know in advance so we don't plan on renting boats.

I hope this post saves someone else some last minute disappointment!

 

[Liz]

We are in a similar situation. We rented water mice 2 years ago and our family of four each got our own boat. Now, according to the new rules, DD can't get her own. She's 15 and DS is 16.

If DD and I go together in the boat I'm wondering about exceeding the weight limit. Anyone know what that is? Maybe the two of us should just find something else to do but its just so weird since last time she drove alone in her own boat and did just fine.

 

[mom_rules]

The rules changed on April 11th-we were there when they posted the signs. DS is 16 about 150 lbs but does not yet have a drivers license had to go with DH (about 175 lbs). So I would say that unless the two of you are way over 325lbs you shouldn't have a problem. Although, two people in a boat does make it go slower than one person. DD was driving circles around these two-really made DS mad.

 

[Jaci]

What are water mice? Any pictures?

TIA

 

[Letsbgoofy]

The weight limit is 320 pounds or something like that. The problem is that the boats go too slow with 2 people if you are anywhere near that weight.

 

[eljojo]

Should you make reservations for the water mice or can you just go rent one without too long of a wait? We're looking to rent something at the Beach Club.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by eljojo
Should you make reservations for the water mice or can you just go rent one without too long of a wait? We're looking to rent something at the Beach Club.

It is first come first serve. Sometimes there is no wait and at other times that is not the case.

 

[Ever_After]

what's the next alternative for a couple who will be near or exceed the weight maximum? What other boats can 2 people rent? thx!

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Just to update my post...

I called the Yacht Club marina. They will still let you drive at 12 years old without a 16 year old with you. The CM I spoke with said that 16 years with a drivers license rule is only on Bay Lake.

 

[PartyOf5]

Originally posted by Letsbgoofy
Just to update my post...

I called the Yacht Club marina. They will still let you drive at 12 years old without a 16 year old with you. The CM I spoke with said that 16 years with a drivers license rule is only on Bay Lake.

Very interesting...hmmm. Does anyone know if they offer the family plan?

 

[PartyOf5]

Originally posted by Ever_After
what's the next alternative for a couple who will be near or exceed the weight maximum? What other boats can 2 people rent? thx!

You may want to consider renting a pontoon boat. They go slow but they are very relaxing. Much roomier as well.

 

[mom_rules]

Wish we would have known about the age 12 at YC thing-our 16 yr old DS was really annoyed that they had changed the rule the exact morning we rented the watermice.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Originally posted by Jaci
What are water mice? Any pictures?

Here you go, this is a Water Mouse.

 

[Jaci]

How cool is that thing! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[BCV23]

The Polynesian and GF are on Seven Seas Lagoon not Bay Lake although you can go over to Bay Lake with your boat. I would think that this would apply to Bay Lake resorts, too...CR, FW and WL?

 

[Liz]

How do you think the experience compares if you rent at YC compared to going on Bay Lake? I am sure it wouldn't be as fun but it would be better than not getting to do it at all. Would you think renting at the YC would still be better than renting at CS and using them on the lake there?

 

[mom_rules]

They are definately a little slower at the YC, not as much space to drive around in and really have to watch out for the other watercrafts (ie. Friendship boats) but if you have a choice as to whether or not you can drive alone I'd choose that option! Two in a boat (esp. a teenager and an adult) also slows the boat substantially.

 

[POOHPAMG]

Is one location better than another, to rent Water Mouse Boats?

 

[mikkiblueeyes]

How do I get the number to that? We're leaving Sunday and I heard about the new rule and my 13yr old was disappointed too but if he can drive the ones at Yacht Club Marina, we'll go there. What's the difference between using them there or at the Cont. Resort?

thanks
Michelle

 

[Mike_in_FL]

It is much more restrictive in terms of what you can do (how far you can go, how fast you can go) at the YC vs any of the MK resorts. Seven Seas Lagoon/Bay Lake is a very, very much larger stretch of water than the area around the EPCOT resorts (or DTD, another location that you can (or could?) rent water mice). That means, with a couple of key exceptions, that you can go as fast and as far as your little boat will take you if you rent at the Poly, CR etc. You cannot do that from the YC. I am sure that is why the renting restrictions are much tougher at the MK resorts.

Hope this helps!
Mike